Newcastle United will not sell Aleksandar Mitrovic on the cheap in the January transfer window - and the Serbian striker will be told to stay and fight for his place if the price isn’t right for his services.

Both Partizan Belgrade and Anderlecht were told last month to forget any chance of signing the striker on loan and return with cash bids if they were keen to re-sign their former player.

West Bromwich Albion have been credited with an interest in Mitrovic after Alan Pardew tried to sign the World Cup-bound striker during his Crystal Palace days.

Benitez knows that his own chances of bringing in a striker could depend on Mitrovic being sold in January.

Newcastle United's Aleksander Mitrovic (Image: PA)

The Spaniard has also held talks with a host of clubs over possible loan deals for strikers including Danny Ings, but he will wait to assess the fitness of the former Burnley man before making his move.

When asked about bringing in a striker, Benitez said: “I can’t talk about positions because maybe some players here won’t leave.

“I don’t have any £15million offers for any of our players at the moment.”

Benitez will be without Mitrovic for the festive fixtures against Man City and Brighton, but said he wouldn’t hesitate to pick the player when fit.

He said: “Mitro is fine and trains well.

“He is somebody who likes to train hard.”

Benitez wasn’t afraid to select Henri Saivet and Mo Diame at West Ham with both responding with goals in the 3-2 win at London Stadium over the weekend.

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez (Image: Newcastle United)

Saivet, Diame, Massadio Haidara and Jack Colback are all available for transfer but Benitez suggested that not all of them will be moved on.

He said: “Some are playing and won’t be sold.

“The ones that don’t play people can talk but if there’s no good offers we can’t sell.